RADIO bosses say the merger of three radio stations will not mean the end of local programming.

Durham FM, Darlington-based Alpha Radio and Minster Northallerton will be rebranded as Star Radio from November 2.

Former BBC Radio 1 presenters Pat Sharp and Gary King have been lined up to appear on the new station.

Bosses say Star will continue to broadcast unique programmes and news to the three areas, although output will also be produced centrally in Darlington to be broadcast to all areas.

North-East and North Yorkshire radio personality Les Gunn will present a weekday show from 10am to 2pm.

He will also appear as the face of Star Radio on adverts to promote the station on more than 20 buses.

He said: “There’s no secret that things are tough and some radio stations have handed their licences back recently.

“The last thing we wanted to do was let that happen. We want to provide as good a service as we can and retain that local element.

“Local programmes will still be broadcast to the three different areas.”

Mr Gunn said Star would continue to broadcast from its Durham studio for the time being.

Pat Sharp will present The Weekend Vibe, featuring Seventies and Eighties soul, funk and disco, and Nineties old skool.

Gary King will present his award winning show Totally 80s which will feature star interviews and hits from the Eighties.

Fox News showbiz reporter Neil Sean will provide entertainment news, as well as a one-hour special at the weekend.

Mark Reason, Star Radio station manager, said “I am sure that existing and new listeners re-tuning to the stations will love the music and our continuing commitment to local communities we broadcast to.

“From the launch date, there will be some great things happening on the air – we really can’t wait to launch.”

The plans have been drawn up following the takeover of TLRC by UKRD earlier this year, in a deal worth £2.88m.